Background: Previous studies showed that anodal transcranial DC stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex of the affected hemisphere (M1affected hemisphere) after subcortical stroke transiently improves performance of complex tasks that mimic activities of daily living (ADL). It is not known if relatively simpler motor tasks are similarly affected. Here we tested the effects of tDCS on pinch force (PF) and simple reaction time (RT) tasks in patients with chronic stroke in a double-blind cross-over Sham-controlled experimental design.

Results: Anodal tDCS shortened reaction times and improved pinch force in the paretic hand relative to Sham stimulation, an effect present in patients with higher impairment.

Conclusion: tDCS of M1affected hemisphere can modulate performance of motor tasks simpler than those previously studied, a finding that could potentially benefit patients with relatively higher impairment levels.

Figure 4: (A) Effects of Sham stimulation on RT compared to No stimulation. Reaction times were comparable during Sham stimulation and No stimulation with slight slowing of reaction times during POST compared to BASE. (B) Effects of Sham stimulation on PF compared to No stimulation Forces were comparable during Sham stimulation and No stimulation with slight decrease of pinch force during POST compared to BASE.

Figure 4: (A) Effects of Sham stimulation on RT compared to No stimulation. Reaction times were comparable during Sham stimulation and No stimulation with slight slowing of reaction times during POST compared to BASE. (B) Effects of Sham stimulation on PF compared to No stimulation Forces were comparable during Sham stimulation and No stimulation with slight decrease of pinch force during POST compared to BASE.

Background: Previous studies showed that anodal transcranial DC stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex of the affected hemisphere (M1affected hemisphere) after subcortical stroke transiently improves performance of complex tasks that mimic activities of daily living (ADL). It is not known if relatively simpler motor tasks are similarly affected. Here we tested the effects of tDCS on pinch force (PF) and simple reaction time (RT) tasks in patients with chronic stroke in a double-blind cross-over Sham-controlled experimental design.

Results: Anodal tDCS shortened reaction times and improved pinch force in the paretic hand relative to Sham stimulation, an effect present in patients with higher impairment.

Conclusion: tDCS of M1affected hemisphere can modulate performance of motor tasks simpler than those previously studied, a finding that could potentially benefit patients with relatively higher impairment levels.